Everest at the top of the heap?

February 17, 2010

The prestigious Relais & Chéteaux guide has come out with its list of the finest luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants from around the world, and there's only one Chicago property on the list: Everest.

Really?

I mean, not only is that a slap in the face to guys like Trotter and Achatz, but are you telling me the Peninsula and the Park Hyatt just aren't up-to-snuff? The only other hotel property listed from our region was Canoe Bay, in Chetek, Wisconsin.

It probably doesn't hurt that Everest is the nation's premier destination for Alsatian cuisine, and Chef/Owner Jean Joho has been an ambassador for his native region all these years. Relais & Chéteaux is, afterall, an elite association established in France, whose mission is to "spread the unique art of living across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with truly unique character."

But to ignore all of the other contenders in Chicago? That feeds as much doubt as anything, and threatens to‚ sully the guide's reputation.